As confidently predicted, the Marine v Comets game will be played at Marine.
Duke of York v Oyster Martyrs will be played at Rushden & Diamonds.
Both ties to take place on Sunday 20th March, with a 14:00 kick off.
The FA Sunday Cup blog
Thursday 24 February 2011
Monday 21 February 2011
Semi Final draw
Ties to be played on Sunday 20th March - 14:00 ko
Paddock v Comets Sports Club
Northampton Duke of York v Oyster Martyrs
Venues to be announced later.
The Paddock and Comets game will almost certainly be played at Marine, as it is the FA's venue of choice for semi final games in Liverpool. Between 2004 and 2008 there were five consecutive semi finals in Liverpool. All of them were played at Marine (in 2005, the remaining two Liverpool teams were drawn at 'home'. The other tie was played at Burscough).
However, Marine has not been a happy hunting ground for the locals in recent years, as the last four 'home' teams to play there have all lost, so perhaps Comets can take some consolation from this!
However, after tipping Oyster and Paddock as favourite's to reach the final, the possibility of the first all Liverpool final is still on.
I'm not as certain of the venue for the Duke of York and Oyster game but the FA have staged semi finals and finals at Corby, Kettering, Irthlingborough, Rugby and Hinckley, so take your pick!
The FA don't generally hang around when selecting the semi final grounds, so I expect to update the blog with confirmation of both venues shortly.
Paddock v Comets Sports Club
Northampton Duke of York v Oyster Martyrs
Venues to be announced later.
The Paddock and Comets game will almost certainly be played at Marine, as it is the FA's venue of choice for semi final games in Liverpool. Between 2004 and 2008 there were five consecutive semi finals in Liverpool. All of them were played at Marine (in 2005, the remaining two Liverpool teams were drawn at 'home'. The other tie was played at Burscough).
However, Marine has not been a happy hunting ground for the locals in recent years, as the last four 'home' teams to play there have all lost, so perhaps Comets can take some consolation from this!
However, after tipping Oyster and Paddock as favourite's to reach the final, the possibility of the first all Liverpool final is still on.
I'm not as certain of the venue for the Duke of York and Oyster game but the FA have staged semi finals and finals at Corby, Kettering, Irthlingborough, Rugby and Hinckley, so take your pick!
The FA don't generally hang around when selecting the semi final grounds, so I expect to update the blog with confirmation of both venues shortly.
Sunday 20 February 2011
5th round report and results
I drove over to Liverpool earlier today to watch the quarter final game between:
Mariners 1 Duke of York 2
Played at Liverpool County FA ground - Walton Hall Park, Liverpool
Duke of York from Northampton started brightly and forced Mariners on the back foot from the start. They took the lead after 20 minutes, when Dan Holman latched on to a through ball and slotted home past the advancing keeper.
Mariners should have equalised very shortly after, when Sean Tierney created some space in the penalty box only to see his shot go agonisingly wide of the goal. Mariners did restore parity on 35 minutes through Ryan Keyo's clinical finish.
Duke of York regained the lead 10 minutes in to the 2nd half, when Mariners keeper Kevin O'Brien, failed to hold Dan Quigley's free kick and the ball fell for Dan Holman, who tapped in from close range.
O'Brien redeemed himself a few minutes later, when he tipped Ben Foster's effort round the post.
Both teams created chances and Mariners had to make two goal line clearances in the 86th minute, to keep the tie alive. Despite the trickery of Keyo and pushing central defender Mark White upfront, Mariners were unable to find another equaliser and Duke of York progress to the semi final.
Other Results
Oyster Martyrs 1 Club Lewsey 0
Knighton Arms 1 Paddock 4
Bedfont Sunday 1 Comets SC 2
Mariners 1 Duke of York 2
Played at Liverpool County FA ground - Walton Hall Park, Liverpool
Duke of York from Northampton started brightly and forced Mariners on the back foot from the start. They took the lead after 20 minutes, when Dan Holman latched on to a through ball and slotted home past the advancing keeper.
Mariners should have equalised very shortly after, when Sean Tierney created some space in the penalty box only to see his shot go agonisingly wide of the goal. Mariners did restore parity on 35 minutes through Ryan Keyo's clinical finish.
Duke of York regained the lead 10 minutes in to the 2nd half, when Mariners keeper Kevin O'Brien, failed to hold Dan Quigley's free kick and the ball fell for Dan Holman, who tapped in from close range.
O'Brien redeemed himself a few minutes later, when he tipped Ben Foster's effort round the post.
Both teams created chances and Mariners had to make two goal line clearances in the 86th minute, to keep the tie alive. Despite the trickery of Keyo and pushing central defender Mark White upfront, Mariners were unable to find another equaliser and Duke of York progress to the semi final.
Other Results
Oyster Martyrs 1 Club Lewsey 0
Knighton Arms 1 Paddock 4
Bedfont Sunday 1 Comets SC 2
Saturday 19 February 2011
Well done Liverpool County FA
A big well done to Liverpool County FA, who decided to honour the achievements of their remaining sides in the Sunday Cup by providing the facilities at their Walton Hall Park HQ for free, to Mariners for tomorrow's quarter final tie against Northampton Duke of York.
On 25th January, LCFA Chief Executive, David Pugh, personally contacted all 3 sides (Oyster Martyrs, Mariners and Salisbury Athletic) to advise them that they would decide which team would play at their ground, by making a draw.
Oyster had already qualified for the QF, so their name went in first. However, it was Mariners/Salisbury's name who was drawn out (which explains why an FA Competition bulletin I saw had both Mariners and Salisbury playing at the LCFA ground, before their tie had been resolved).
I'm sure that Mariners will appreciate the support they are receiving from the LCFA and the opportunity to play on a much envied playing suface.
So, well done to the LCFA for this gesture. Other County FA's take note!!
Many thanks to Ian Porter and the excellent Salisbury Athletic programme for this information.
On 25th January, LCFA Chief Executive, David Pugh, personally contacted all 3 sides (Oyster Martyrs, Mariners and Salisbury Athletic) to advise them that they would decide which team would play at their ground, by making a draw.
Oyster had already qualified for the QF, so their name went in first. However, it was Mariners/Salisbury's name who was drawn out (which explains why an FA Competition bulletin I saw had both Mariners and Salisbury playing at the LCFA ground, before their tie had been resolved).
I'm sure that Mariners will appreciate the support they are receiving from the LCFA and the opportunity to play on a much envied playing suface.
So, well done to the LCFA for this gesture. Other County FA's take note!!
Many thanks to Ian Porter and the excellent Salisbury Athletic programme for this information.
Who will win the Sunday Cup?
As the Sunday Cup enters in to the business end of the season, I'm sure that
many of you are wondering who will be crowned 2010/11 champions.
I've complied a brief summary of the runners and riders and detailed those who I believe will win the trophy (hopefully I will fare better with this prediction than I did with my top tips!!)
Oyster Martyrs
- 2009 Runners up Oyster have to be considered as one of the favourites for this season's competition
- Play in the highly competitive (and successful) Liverpool & District league, which had 13 teams entered in this season’s competition!!
- Recorded very impressive results in their last two Sunday Cup games that saw them score 12 goals
- Key players include: Leighton McGivern (ex Rochdale and Accrington Stanley) and Thomas Rooney
Paddock
- Like Oyster, they ply their trade in the Liverpool & District league
- Reached the semi finals back in 2008, where they lost 2-0 to eventual winners Hetton Lyons at Marine
- Gained their revenge when they achieved this seasons standout result in defeating Hetton in the 3rd round
- Several players turn out with Marine in the Northern Premier League (including John Shaw and Steven Hussey)
Mariners
- The third Merseyside team in the last 8, they are members of the Ormskirk & District league (they are bidding to become the first team from that league to reach the semi final)
- Made their debut last season, when they went out in the 2nd round
- Their man danger man is Ryan Keyo, whose skill and pace has been the undoing of several good teams this season. Goal scorer Sean Tierney has benefited from Keyo’s assists
- 100% league record after 6 games (scored 25, only conceded 2)
Northampton Duke of York
- Were winners of the first final to be held at Anfield, back in 2003
- Repeated their 2003 semi final win over Travellers from Birmingham in the 4th round
- Will not be fazed by travelling to Liverpool, as they were drawn away in each of the first three rounds (including a 1st round win at Sunday Cup legends St Joseph’s (Luton)
Knighton Arms
- Can justifiably lay claim to be the best Sunday team in Hampshire
- They are the reigning Hampshire County FA Sunday Senior Cup holders (they beat AFC Southsea 11-0 in the final!). They have also reached this season’s final
- Knighton have dominated the City of Southampton Premier Division title. They have been champions for the past two seasons and during that time, they have only suffered one defeat, in 30 league games
Bedfont Sunday
- Another former finalist (Bedfont lost to Seymour back in 1993)
- Members of the West Middlesex League, Premier Division, their league form has not matched their Sunday Cup performances, as they have lost 5 of their 9 league games
- Star players Include: Hanworth Villa’s Laurie Sheehan, whose brace saw off Wonford United in the 4th round and ex Brentford trainee, Ryan Lake
Comets SC
- Berkhamsted league outfit Comets are on a 16 game unbeaten run, which has seen them score an impressive 96 goals!
- Have relied on penalty shoot outs to progress past Hammer in round 1 and Clumber in round 4 (these are the only games that Comets have failed to win in ‘open’ play)
- Chris Marsh has 4 Sunday Cup goals to his name, including a hat trick against North West Neasden in the 2nd round
Club Lewsey
- Hail from the North Home Counties league, which is 2nd only to the Liverpool & District league in terms of the number of teams entered
- Will hope to avoid a repeat of their previous quarter final appearance, where they also travelled to Merseyside, only to lose 4-0 to Paddock
- Club Lewsey have hit the goal trail in this season’s competition, scoring 18 goals in 4 games (their 8-2 thrashing of Golden Lion was the biggest win in round 3)
Summary
Based on what I know, it’s hard for me to look beyond Oyster Martyrs and Paddock. I tipped Oyster to do well at the beginning of the season but wasn’t sure about Paddock, who despite reaching the semi finals three years ago, have exited the competition in the 2nd round in both seasons since.
Both Comets and Knighton Arms have impressive domestic records but I’m not sure they are genuine Sunday Cup contenders. Knighton have home advantage over Paddock, so I’ll be interested to see that result.
I’m hoping to watch Mariners v Northampton Duke of York. I hope that Merseyside hasn’t been affected by the several inches of snow that have fallen in West Yorkshire where I live!!
many of you are wondering who will be crowned 2010/11 champions.
I've complied a brief summary of the runners and riders and detailed those who I believe will win the trophy (hopefully I will fare better with this prediction than I did with my top tips!!)
Oyster Martyrs
- 2009 Runners up Oyster have to be considered as one of the favourites for this season's competition
- Play in the highly competitive (and successful) Liverpool & District league, which had 13 teams entered in this season’s competition!!
- Recorded very impressive results in their last two Sunday Cup games that saw them score 12 goals
- Key players include: Leighton McGivern (ex Rochdale and Accrington Stanley) and Thomas Rooney
Paddock
- Like Oyster, they ply their trade in the Liverpool & District league
- Reached the semi finals back in 2008, where they lost 2-0 to eventual winners Hetton Lyons at Marine
- Gained their revenge when they achieved this seasons standout result in defeating Hetton in the 3rd round
- Several players turn out with Marine in the Northern Premier League (including John Shaw and Steven Hussey)
Mariners
- The third Merseyside team in the last 8, they are members of the Ormskirk & District league (they are bidding to become the first team from that league to reach the semi final)
- Made their debut last season, when they went out in the 2nd round
- Their man danger man is Ryan Keyo, whose skill and pace has been the undoing of several good teams this season. Goal scorer Sean Tierney has benefited from Keyo’s assists
- 100% league record after 6 games (scored 25, only conceded 2)
Northampton Duke of York
- Were winners of the first final to be held at Anfield, back in 2003
- Repeated their 2003 semi final win over Travellers from Birmingham in the 4th round
- Will not be fazed by travelling to Liverpool, as they were drawn away in each of the first three rounds (including a 1st round win at Sunday Cup legends St Joseph’s (Luton)
Knighton Arms
- Can justifiably lay claim to be the best Sunday team in Hampshire
- They are the reigning Hampshire County FA Sunday Senior Cup holders (they beat AFC Southsea 11-0 in the final!). They have also reached this season’s final
- Knighton have dominated the City of Southampton Premier Division title. They have been champions for the past two seasons and during that time, they have only suffered one defeat, in 30 league games
Bedfont Sunday
- Another former finalist (Bedfont lost to Seymour back in 1993)
- Members of the West Middlesex League, Premier Division, their league form has not matched their Sunday Cup performances, as they have lost 5 of their 9 league games
- Star players Include: Hanworth Villa’s Laurie Sheehan, whose brace saw off Wonford United in the 4th round and ex Brentford trainee, Ryan Lake
Comets SC
- Berkhamsted league outfit Comets are on a 16 game unbeaten run, which has seen them score an impressive 96 goals!
- Have relied on penalty shoot outs to progress past Hammer in round 1 and Clumber in round 4 (these are the only games that Comets have failed to win in ‘open’ play)
- Chris Marsh has 4 Sunday Cup goals to his name, including a hat trick against North West Neasden in the 2nd round
Club Lewsey
- Hail from the North Home Counties league, which is 2nd only to the Liverpool & District league in terms of the number of teams entered
- Will hope to avoid a repeat of their previous quarter final appearance, where they also travelled to Merseyside, only to lose 4-0 to Paddock
- Club Lewsey have hit the goal trail in this season’s competition, scoring 18 goals in 4 games (their 8-2 thrashing of Golden Lion was the biggest win in round 3)
Summary
Based on what I know, it’s hard for me to look beyond Oyster Martyrs and Paddock. I tipped Oyster to do well at the beginning of the season but wasn’t sure about Paddock, who despite reaching the semi finals three years ago, have exited the competition in the 2nd round in both seasons since.
Both Comets and Knighton Arms have impressive domestic records but I’m not sure they are genuine Sunday Cup contenders. Knighton have home advantage over Paddock, so I’ll be interested to see that result.
I’m hoping to watch Mariners v Northampton Duke of York. I hope that Merseyside hasn’t been affected by the several inches of snow that have fallen in West Yorkshire where I live!!
Sunday 13 February 2011
Salisbury Athletic v Mariners
Despite holding a 2-0 lead, Salisbury Athletic of the Crosby & District league were beaten 3-2 by local rivals Mariners from the Ormskirk & District league.
Mariners are now at home to Northampton Duke of York next Sunday in the quarter final.
Remaining quarter final ties
Oyster Martyrs v Club Lewsey
Knighton Arms v Paddock
Bedfont Sunday v Comets SC
Mariners are now at home to Northampton Duke of York next Sunday in the quarter final.
Remaining quarter final ties
Oyster Martyrs v Club Lewsey
Knighton Arms v Paddock
Bedfont Sunday v Comets SC
Saturday 5 February 2011
Salisbury v Mariners - Match Postponed
Not unexpected, given the severe rainfall of the last few days.
Both teams will try again next Sunday at Bootle FC, kick off 13.00.
Both teams will try again next Sunday at Bootle FC, kick off 13.00.
Alternative venue required for FA Sunday Cup final
Liverpool FC have advised the FA that they are unable to host this season's FA Sunday Cup final, due to 'other fixture commitments'.
I'm not exactly sure what this is, as Liverpool are due to play Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday 30th April. The Sunday Cup final is schedule for the day after, so unless the TV powers that be have decided to move the game forward by 24 hours, I can't see what other commitments Liverpool have.
Liverpool are away at Fulham the following week, so why not move the Sunday Cup final to the 8th of May? It would be a shame if two Liverpool sides made it to the final only for it to be played elsewhere (unless the FA stage it at Goodison Park!).
The FA hope to announce the final venue after the semi final games have been played on 20th March.
There is no doubt, that over the last 12 years or so, the FA have managed to secure some very impressive grounds to stage the final of the Sunday Cup.
The last 8 finals have all been played at Anfield, which has been a great choice of venue for a number of reasons. I'm sure all of the finalists who played there were grateful for the opportunity to play at such a prestigious ground.
It must have also been a proud occasion for the Liverpool County FA, whose teams support the Sunday Cup like no other region does.
I think it's also been a great boost for the competition itself, to have its final staged at Anfield. It maybe coincidental, but the number of entries in the Sunday Cup have significantly increased during the years the final was played at Liverpool.
Villa Park hosted the 2001 and 2002 finals, whilst the 1999 and 2000 finals were at Nottingham Forrest. Hopefully the FA can secure another great venue for this season's final game.
There maybe those who would prefer the final to be played at a ground with a smaller capacity, as the Sunday Cup final attendance rarely exceeds more than a couple of thousand spectators but I believe the final should be played at one of the Premiership's flagship grounds. After all, the FA Trophy and FA Vase finals have been played at Wembley for years and the crowds they generate are nowhere near capacity, so why should the Sunday Cup be any different?
I'm not exactly sure what this is, as Liverpool are due to play Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday 30th April. The Sunday Cup final is schedule for the day after, so unless the TV powers that be have decided to move the game forward by 24 hours, I can't see what other commitments Liverpool have.
Liverpool are away at Fulham the following week, so why not move the Sunday Cup final to the 8th of May? It would be a shame if two Liverpool sides made it to the final only for it to be played elsewhere (unless the FA stage it at Goodison Park!).
The FA hope to announce the final venue after the semi final games have been played on 20th March.
There is no doubt, that over the last 12 years or so, the FA have managed to secure some very impressive grounds to stage the final of the Sunday Cup.
The last 8 finals have all been played at Anfield, which has been a great choice of venue for a number of reasons. I'm sure all of the finalists who played there were grateful for the opportunity to play at such a prestigious ground.
It must have also been a proud occasion for the Liverpool County FA, whose teams support the Sunday Cup like no other region does.
I think it's also been a great boost for the competition itself, to have its final staged at Anfield. It maybe coincidental, but the number of entries in the Sunday Cup have significantly increased during the years the final was played at Liverpool.
Villa Park hosted the 2001 and 2002 finals, whilst the 1999 and 2000 finals were at Nottingham Forrest. Hopefully the FA can secure another great venue for this season's final game.
There maybe those who would prefer the final to be played at a ground with a smaller capacity, as the Sunday Cup final attendance rarely exceeds more than a couple of thousand spectators but I believe the final should be played at one of the Premiership's flagship grounds. After all, the FA Trophy and FA Vase finals have been played at Wembley for years and the crowds they generate are nowhere near capacity, so why should the Sunday Cup be any different?
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